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Maris E. Nathan

October 19, 1941 ~ July 28, 2018 (age 76)

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Maris Ellen Nathan, age 76

Went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 28, 2018. Born October 19, 1941 to Carroll and Bernice (Blade) Anderson. Maris graduated from East High School in 1959, and then was employed by Sundstrand. Maris was determined and loved a challenge. For example, at one point in her life, she decided to pack up all of her belongings, along with her two boys (ages 10 and 12), and drive across the country to California in a rental truck in order to pursue her dreams. In the years that followed, in both California and then back in Rockford, Illinois, she proudly continued to call herself an “IBMer” as an Advisory Customer Support Representative. Another example of Maris’s perseverance and artistic vision came through when she, along with the help of a friendly neighbor, decided to remodel her historic two-story house by herself with nothing but the knowledge she gained by devouring How-To books and interviewing contractors. When her family and friends would check in on her, it was not surprising to find her climbing the rafters and hoisting drywall up on a two-story scaffold. In just two years’ time, her beautiful house passed the city inspection, and was made even more complete by her love for gardening. Maris took great pride in her garden and in always staying busy, both at home and in her community. Her love of art and taking initiative was surpassed by her passion for helping others and spreading a love of Christ wherever she went. She volunteered extensively, from feeding the hungry both directly and with food from her neighborhood garden, to helping teachers by working with struggling students in the hallways and evangelizing after hours, to serving as a discipleship leader where she attended church at Calvary Memorial Church. Maris loved her family and was always eager and ready to lend a hand or supportive ear, especially when it came to her grandchildren. She is survived by her sons Shane (Rilla) Nathan of Rockford, Tyler (Nicole) Nathan of Monkton, Maryland; her granddaughter Amanda (Miquon) Curry, grandsons Trevor, Zachary and Austin Nathan, and two great-grandsons. Siblings David (Linda) Anderson of Rockford and Beverly Kilgore of Delavan, WI, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Peter (Elaine) Anderson. *Visitation from 6-7 pm, Thursday, Aug. 16 at Calvary Memorial Church 2715 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL followed by a celebration of Maris’ life at 7:00pm. Pastor David Petty will officiate. *Family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Northwoods Care Centre, Belvidere, IL. and Family Home Health Services Hospice of Addison, IL.

There's still time to send flowers to the Memorial Visitation at the Calvary Memorial Church from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on August 16, 2018.

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